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Off the Field Duet #1
Traded
Aron Parker is one of the best players in professional baseball. Following in his father’s footsteps, his entire life revolves around the game. Opponents call him cocky, and they aren’t wrong, but no one knows the driving force behind his arrogance.
Until he has to play nice with his enemy.
Drew Rockland is the epitome of calm and collected on the mound. As a veteran player, he knows what it takes to pitch under pressure while keeping his emotions in check.
Until he faces Aron and loses his cool.
Aron’s showboating and Drew’s old-school ballplayer demeanor instantly puts them at odds, resulting in an all-out brawl on the field and a suspension. After the fight, all should have been forgotten, but an unexpected trade places them on the same team … and in the same apartment.
Off the field, there is no one to pull them apart ...
But maybe they prefer it that way.
Traded is a MM enemies-to-lovers sports romance with first times and secret hook-ups that will leave you begging for more. And good thing, since this is book 1 in a duet and their story will conclude in book 2.
Until he has to play nice with his enemy.
Drew Rockland is the epitome of calm and collected on the mound. As a veteran player, he knows what it takes to pitch under pressure while keeping his emotions in check.
Until he faces Aron and loses his cool.
Aron’s showboating and Drew’s old-school ballplayer demeanor instantly puts them at odds, resulting in an all-out brawl on the field and a suspension. After the fight, all should have been forgotten, but an unexpected trade places them on the same team … and in the same apartment.
Off the field, there is no one to pull them apart ...
But maybe they prefer it that way.
Traded is a MM enemies-to-lovers sports romance with first times and secret hook-ups that will leave you begging for more. And good thing, since this is book 1 in a duet and their story will conclude in book 2.
216 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2022
883 people are currently reading
6915 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Knight
80 books3,031 followersKimberly Knight is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in the Central Valley of California with her loving husband, who is a great research assistant, and young daughter, who keeps Kimberly on her toes. Kimberly writes in a variety of genres, including romantic suspense, contemporary romance, erotic romance, and paranormal romance. Her books will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and fall in love before she throws you curve balls you never see coming.
When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, including cooking competitions, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.
When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, including cooking competitions, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.
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March 13, 2022
Traded is book one in the Off the Field Duet by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams. This is my very first book by either of these authors. I love MM Sports Romance and the cover and blurb drew me right in. I fell completely in love with these two men. What a great way to be introduced to these two authors! I want to add here that enemies to lovers isn’t always my favorite trope. I’m all about the swoon. Still, something told me to read this book and I’m so glad I did.
Aron Parker is twenty eight years old and is a well known, talented professional baseball player. He’s known for his home runs and his skill in the right field. He’s also known for his cocky attitude, his swagger, both on the field and off. Aron has never been in a relationship and has no interest in being in one. Women are no problem for him to find. They come to him. It’s that same attitude that finally gets him in trouble when he clashes with a pitcher from an opposing team and fists fly.
Drew Rockland is thirty three years old and is a very successful pitcher. He’s opposite from Aron in just about every way possible. Drew is all about control. He likes his life to be quiet. He likes his game day routines. He isn’t a one night stand kind of man and prefers relationships. But something about the attitude of Aron Parker just gets under his skin and he loses his cool.
A very unexpected trade leaves Drew and Aron on the same team and sharing an apartment. They will have to figure out a way to get along if they want to win games. Neither of these men has ever been attracted to another man before in their lives. But it’s the same zing that kept them annoyed with each other that finally had them looking twice at each other and wondering what it might be like to kiss him? And when it does finally happen, it’s amazing. More than amazing. And also, so confusing.
“He brought something out in me, and the only word that accurately described it was passion. He made me feel things. Intense things.”
I loved these two. I loved the impact they had on each other. The way they sort of balanced each other. I also loved the way they were both willing to accept this new and very confusing part of themselves they never anticipated. But their lives are complicated, about to be more complicated.
As I mentioned, this is part one of a duet so we are left on a bit of a cliff hanger before we get to know the rest of these two’s story. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason why I fall madly in love with one couple more than I might another. But fall I did for Aron and Drew. Everything is stacked against these two and I so want them to be able to find their way together. I can’t wait for the next book, Outed. I hope these two authors are typing furiously, getting their story all ready because I’ll be waiting for it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
May 2, 2023
***3.5 rating***
"He brought something out in me, and the only word that accurately described it was passion. He made me feel things. Intense things."
When I first saw Traded on my feed as a result of a friend's review on GR, I was excited. It had all the requirements I usually seek when reading M/M romance.
Enemies-to-lovers? ✔️
Sports romance?✔️
Bisexual awakening?✔️
Introduction to new authors?✔️
And now the question I usually ask myself when writing a review, "did it live up to the hype/excitement?".
Sadly, not really.
Allow me to explain.
Brief Summary:
The story centers around two athletes, MLB players Aron Parker (28) and veteran player, Drew Rockland (31). One is a self-assured, cocky womanizer and the other is portrayed as a more mature man who is a homebody, loyal and ready to settle down. He is a relationship type of man and is not about fucking around with different women. In fact, Drew has a girlfriend. A model named Jasmine. He envisions his life with her.
But not everything is at it seems. Both in their personal and professional life, things are about to change. Aron and Drew are in opposing teams, Aron is with St. Louis Cardinals and Drew is a pitcher for the Mets. Aron however, comes from a legacy family. His father was with the Giants. Athleticism runs in his family. So what happens when these two successful men go toe to toe with one another at one of their games?
They get traded. Wait for it.
To the same team 😂. The Denver Rockies.
As part of their effort to strengthen the team morale, Drew and Aron's agents give them the delightful news that not only are they in the same team but they will temporarily be roomies.
What could go wrong, especially when two men who supposedly cannot stand each other room together?
Well everything.
That is when the story really starts to take place and the chemistry between the mains begins to occur. And of course, not all is well. There is a tad bit drama.
Now what did I think of it?
My thoughts on Traded:
This is my first time reading a book by any of these authors and while sometimes its exciting to read a new book by new authors, sometimes it is not. I haven't read enough from either author to really judge their work, so it won't be fair of me to say anything too negative since I only read one book by them.
I didn't particularly dislike Traded. It was just okay. It felt like it was lacking a few things for me to really enjoy it.
For one, there wasn't much enemies happening. While the mains weren't fond of each other and had an altercation with one another, it wasn't enough to classify this book as an enemies-to-lovers romance. The minute the guys get traded and become roomies, all is forgotten and suddenly they are attracted to each other.
Where was the built up to the romance? the connection? the tension?
It was sadly lacking and was rushed, at least in my opinion.
Second, these are supposedly "straight men" but they are immediately experts at gay sex and are in terms with their sexuality. Not a realistic portrayal unfortunately. Usually when I read books with bi-awakenings taking place, there is some angst, some uncertainty about how the characters feel about the change in their sexuality but in this book there was none. That kind of seemed like a missed opportunity, especially with male pro baseball players and the stigma around gay athletes. Hopefully in the second book that is explored more.
Thirdly, as I mentioned the romance was rushed. Our mains are suddenly "in love" with each other and want to commit to one another. This was a bit puzzling because not only were they "straight" and neither man had ever been with another man before, Aron was supposedly a player. Its odd how fast he commits to Drew. If the tensions and emotions of the characters were explored more it would have been a much better story.
I am not sure if this is a the first time these authors are writing an MM romance but it seems like something that I would expect from two authors who mostly write MF romance and decided to collaborate and write MM. That's the vibe I got from this book. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Just something I noticed.
I wish the transition from "enemies" to "lovers" was done better because the authors did a good job in terms of writing two men being vulnerable with one another which I found sweet but the whole book felt predictable and meh.
I do like the two men together and do believe that there is potential with the second book. I hope in book two which is the conclusion to this duet, the authors give us what was lacking in book 1. I don't have anything else to add. This book has potential but it could have been better had the relationship between these two men weren't rushed.
Will I read the second book? I guess. I want to know what happens lol.
"He brought something out in me, and the only word that accurately described it was passion. He made me feel things. Intense things."
When I first saw Traded on my feed as a result of a friend's review on GR, I was excited. It had all the requirements I usually seek when reading M/M romance.
Enemies-to-lovers? ✔️
Sports romance?✔️
Bisexual awakening?✔️
Introduction to new authors?✔️
And now the question I usually ask myself when writing a review, "did it live up to the hype/excitement?".
Sadly, not really.
Allow me to explain.
Brief Summary:
The story centers around two athletes, MLB players Aron Parker (28) and veteran player, Drew Rockland (31). One is a self-assured, cocky womanizer and the other is portrayed as a more mature man who is a homebody, loyal and ready to settle down. He is a relationship type of man and is not about fucking around with different women. In fact, Drew has a girlfriend. A model named Jasmine. He envisions his life with her.
But not everything is at it seems. Both in their personal and professional life, things are about to change. Aron and Drew are in opposing teams, Aron is with St. Louis Cardinals and Drew is a pitcher for the Mets. Aron however, comes from a legacy family. His father was with the Giants. Athleticism runs in his family. So what happens when these two successful men go toe to toe with one another at one of their games?
They get traded. Wait for it.
To the same team 😂. The Denver Rockies.
As part of their effort to strengthen the team morale, Drew and Aron's agents give them the delightful news that not only are they in the same team but they will temporarily be roomies.
What could go wrong, especially when two men who supposedly cannot stand each other room together?
Well everything.
That is when the story really starts to take place and the chemistry between the mains begins to occur. And of course, not all is well. There is a tad bit drama.
Now what did I think of it?
My thoughts on Traded:
This is my first time reading a book by any of these authors and while sometimes its exciting to read a new book by new authors, sometimes it is not. I haven't read enough from either author to really judge their work, so it won't be fair of me to say anything too negative since I only read one book by them.
I didn't particularly dislike Traded. It was just okay. It felt like it was lacking a few things for me to really enjoy it.
For one, there wasn't much enemies happening. While the mains weren't fond of each other and had an altercation with one another, it wasn't enough to classify this book as an enemies-to-lovers romance. The minute the guys get traded and become roomies, all is forgotten and suddenly they are attracted to each other.
Where was the built up to the romance? the connection? the tension?
It was sadly lacking and was rushed, at least in my opinion.
Second, these are supposedly "straight men" but they are immediately experts at gay sex and are in terms with their sexuality. Not a realistic portrayal unfortunately. Usually when I read books with bi-awakenings taking place, there is some angst, some uncertainty about how the characters feel about the change in their sexuality but in this book there was none. That kind of seemed like a missed opportunity, especially with male pro baseball players and the stigma around gay athletes. Hopefully in the second book that is explored more.
Thirdly, as I mentioned the romance was rushed. Our mains are suddenly "in love" with each other and want to commit to one another. This was a bit puzzling because not only were they "straight" and neither man had ever been with another man before, Aron was supposedly a player. Its odd how fast he commits to Drew. If the tensions and emotions of the characters were explored more it would have been a much better story.
I am not sure if this is a the first time these authors are writing an MM romance but it seems like something that I would expect from two authors who mostly write MF romance and decided to collaborate and write MM. That's the vibe I got from this book. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Just something I noticed.
I wish the transition from "enemies" to "lovers" was done better because the authors did a good job in terms of writing two men being vulnerable with one another which I found sweet but the whole book felt predictable and meh.
I do like the two men together and do believe that there is potential with the second book. I hope in book two which is the conclusion to this duet, the authors give us what was lacking in book 1. I don't have anything else to add. This book has potential but it could have been better had the relationship between these two men weren't rushed.
Will I read the second book? I guess. I want to know what happens lol.
March 16, 2024
Oh boy did I have issues with this book. I'm trying to decide if I should list them chronologically or in order of magnitude of problematicness. Whatever, I'll see what comes out organically.
So the premise is two straight baseball players playing for different teams have beef with each other on the field and then in an ironic twist of fate - end up traded to the same team. Then these two men, who have never so much as thunk a gay thought are like all over each other. It's the most egregious gay-for-you story I've read in a while. But that's not even the part of their relationship that bothers me the most; I like enemies-to-lovers because of the tension and build-up, it's legit my favourite trope, but here there's almost no tension, like the authors try and inject some into the story but it feels so forced, awkward and abbreviated. Slow burn for who - their first kiss comes out of literal nowhere, I hadn't built up any anticipation to that point. Then the relationship just escalates at an extremely and unrealistically rapid rate.
Also, I did not like either of these characters at all. Aron is written to be like a cocky playboy type, but actually he is just a misogynistic dickhead, and having a tragic backstory gets you no points, so he can fuck right off. Then Drew is supposed to be the devoted and loyal one, but just is like quite pathetic.
The writing style was way more tell than show, I skipped around in places because of this. But be forewarned all ye MM purists - there is explicit MF stuff at the beginning.
Am I going to read the sequel? Yes, obviously. It ends on a major cliffhanger, so I can't not. But the damage has been done, I'll read it but I don't have to like it.
*2024 update* after 2 years of staring at the sequel on my Kindle and feeling dread every time I look at it too long, it turns out that I can, in fact, not read the next one. I am turfing this series.
So the premise is two straight baseball players playing for different teams have beef with each other on the field and then in an ironic twist of fate - end up traded to the same team. Then these two men, who have never so much as thunk a gay thought are like all over each other. It's the most egregious gay-for-you story I've read in a while. But that's not even the part of their relationship that bothers me the most; I like enemies-to-lovers because of the tension and build-up, it's legit my favourite trope, but here there's almost no tension, like the authors try and inject some into the story but it feels so forced, awkward and abbreviated. Slow burn for who - their first kiss comes out of literal nowhere, I hadn't built up any anticipation to that point. Then the relationship just escalates at an extremely and unrealistically rapid rate.
Also, I did not like either of these characters at all. Aron is written to be like a cocky playboy type, but actually he is just a misogynistic dickhead, and having a tragic backstory gets you no points, so he can fuck right off. Then Drew is supposed to be the devoted and loyal one, but just is like quite pathetic.
The writing style was way more tell than show, I skipped around in places because of this. But be forewarned all ye MM purists - there is explicit MF stuff at the beginning.
Am I going to read the sequel? Yes, obviously. It ends on a major cliffhanger, so I can't not. But the damage has been done, I'll read it but I don't have to like it.
*2024 update* after 2 years of staring at the sequel on my Kindle and feeling dread every time I look at it too long, it turns out that I can, in fact, not read the next one. I am turfing this series.
Read
January 10, 2023Stop! If you're an MF Romance Reader and are considering reading an MM Romance book don't let this be your foray into the genre!
There are so many amazing MM Romances out there without reiterating useless stereotypes all the time. After only 16 pages I went "wait is this a MF author with token MM books?" Why yes, it is. And why yes, they're always recognisable.
Here are some I've read and a short selection of some that are a better starting place than this one:
If you want to read some top-notch enemies to lovers who are cocky:
- Egoistical Puckboys by Eden Finley
Or enemies to lovers where they don't have to both be cocky and can deal with more than superficial feelings:
- Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
- Open Ice Hit by E. M. Lindsey and Marina Vivancos
Or a double-awakening sports MM Romance that's better done:
- Blindsided by Eden Finley
Maybe a Sports Romance with a demisexual character who can handle not having sex for a month *rolls eyes*:
- Goal Lines and First Times by Eden Finley and Saxon James
Or perhaps even a slow-burn with ftb?
- Hockey Bois by A. L. Heard
This is just a fraction! There are lots of amazing MM Romance Sports books (and all other kinds of ones) out there so go read them!
I'm not going to write a review, all I'm going to do is jot down the "highlights" that I annotated whilst reading with said notes. Oh and this is 100% spoilers and 100% the entire plot:
- "wives and shit" (p. 6)
- To a woman who just walked into the bar: "Take your shorts off and bend over the sink." (p. 7) okay I'm supposed to really hate him? how good is this guys redemption arc?
- "I wasn't one to share my feelings or tell people my business." (p. 16) Wait is this a MF author with token MM books?"
- "pussy start to clench around me..." (p. 27) Yikes MF authors we don't want to read about pussies
- "weakass bitch" (p. 31) and lots of instances of misogynous connotations of female-coded terms
- "looked like I would have to take care of myself with the help of some porn" (p. 38) Oh look we're men we're alwaysss horny
- "If I didn't know any better, I'd think he was a fucking chick. He needed to get laid." (p. 60) me highlighting the shit you can't let fly
- p. 74 tragic I'll never fall in love backstory
- "That's why I slept around" Aah you lost your mummy, have daddy issues and that's why you treat women like garbage? okay sure I'll excuse you
- "just need to get laid so you're not an asshole all the time" (p. 84) aha
- "I found it odd that I'd spent more time thinking about someone I'd shared one kiss with than thinking about the person I'd been with for two years." (p. 97) same
- "You've been ignoring me for a week like a pussy." (p. 98) enough with the pussy!
- "I'd never wanted to have a relationship [...] but with Drew it felt different." (p. 114) nope not buying it yet, too quick for the 180 bruh
- "took both our dicks in my hand" (p. 124) frotting bingo check
- "We need to talk" (p. 125) she better not be fucking pregnant – away with the ex!
- "Once we do this there's no going back." (p. 149) Anality: the final frontier
- "pregnant" (p. 156) fucknugget
- "when the lie passed my lips" (p. 161) so close to DNF-ing, so close!
- "It was as though it was our last night together..." (p. 165) Oh you feel that do you? what about talking about that feeling?
- "How did I not realize how good being a relationship could be?" (p. 166) Bro you've had sex a couple times
- "some sort of ultimatum that she would only keep the baby if he got back with her?" (p. 174) because if the women aren't getting love they better be grade a hoes
- "I'd longed for a family" (p. 179) Enough with the heteronormative expectations of family
Why did I finish this if I didn't enjoy it? Hm I wanted to see a) the redemption arc (there is none) b) if these men still come alive or remain stereotypes (they do) and c) remind myself why I'm happy I'm no longer reading MF
NSFW infos:
Two guys who always thought they were straight, one kisses the other one in anger and all of a sudden they accept they're bi and in to do more – the force is strong!
Some frotting but very quick to move on to anal and once anal has been breached the only other thing they do is blowjobs
One is 28 and one is 33, both White American
There are so many amazing MM Romances out there without reiterating useless stereotypes all the time. After only 16 pages I went "wait is this a MF author with token MM books?" Why yes, it is. And why yes, they're always recognisable.
Here are some I've read and a short selection of some that are a better starting place than this one:
If you want to read some top-notch enemies to lovers who are cocky:
- Egoistical Puckboys by Eden Finley
Or enemies to lovers where they don't have to both be cocky and can deal with more than superficial feelings:
- Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
- Open Ice Hit by E. M. Lindsey and Marina Vivancos
Or a double-awakening sports MM Romance that's better done:
- Blindsided by Eden Finley
Maybe a Sports Romance with a demisexual character who can handle not having sex for a month *rolls eyes*:
- Goal Lines and First Times by Eden Finley and Saxon James
Or perhaps even a slow-burn with ftb?
- Hockey Bois by A. L. Heard
This is just a fraction! There are lots of amazing MM Romance Sports books (and all other kinds of ones) out there so go read them!
I'm not going to write a review, all I'm going to do is jot down the "highlights" that I annotated whilst reading with said notes. Oh and this is 100% spoilers and 100% the entire plot:
- "wives and shit" (p. 6)
- To a woman who just walked into the bar: "Take your shorts off and bend over the sink." (p. 7) okay I'm supposed to really hate him? how good is this guys redemption arc?
- "I wasn't one to share my feelings or tell people my business." (p. 16) Wait is this a MF author with token MM books?"
- "pussy start to clench around me..." (p. 27) Yikes MF authors we don't want to read about pussies
- "weakass bitch" (p. 31) and lots of instances of misogynous connotations of female-coded terms
- "looked like I would have to take care of myself with the help of some porn" (p. 38) Oh look we're men we're alwaysss horny
- "If I didn't know any better, I'd think he was a fucking chick. He needed to get laid." (p. 60) me highlighting the shit you can't let fly
- p. 74 tragic I'll never fall in love backstory
- "That's why I slept around" Aah you lost your mummy, have daddy issues and that's why you treat women like garbage? okay sure I'll excuse you
- "just need to get laid so you're not an asshole all the time" (p. 84) aha
- "I found it odd that I'd spent more time thinking about someone I'd shared one kiss with than thinking about the person I'd been with for two years." (p. 97) same
- "You've been ignoring me for a week like a pussy." (p. 98) enough with the pussy!
- "I'd never wanted to have a relationship [...] but with Drew it felt different." (p. 114) nope not buying it yet, too quick for the 180 bruh
- "took both our dicks in my hand" (p. 124) frotting bingo check
- "We need to talk" (p. 125) she better not be fucking pregnant – away with the ex!
- "Once we do this there's no going back." (p. 149) Anality: the final frontier
- "pregnant" (p. 156) fucknugget
- "when the lie passed my lips" (p. 161) so close to DNF-ing, so close!
- "It was as though it was our last night together..." (p. 165) Oh you feel that do you? what about talking about that feeling?
- "How did I not realize how good being a relationship could be?" (p. 166) Bro you've had sex a couple times
- "some sort of ultimatum that she would only keep the baby if he got back with her?" (p. 174) because if the women aren't getting love they better be grade a hoes
- "I'd longed for a family" (p. 179) Enough with the heteronormative expectations of family
Why did I finish this if I didn't enjoy it? Hm I wanted to see a) the redemption arc (there is none) b) if these men still come alive or remain stereotypes (they do) and c) remind myself why I'm happy I'm no longer reading MF
NSFW infos:
Two guys who always thought they were straight, one kisses the other one in anger and all of a sudden they accept they're bi and in to do more – the force is strong!
Some frotting but very quick to move on to anal and once anal has been breached the only other thing they do is blowjobs
One is 28 and one is 33, both White American
January 20, 2023
2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise -- the idea of an enemy-to-lovers-bi-awakening sports romance!
The Not-So-Good: The fact that they were both fine with changing their sexuality. No conflict there! I also thought the ex drama was a little OTT and eye roll inducing.
The Bad: The connection. I didn't feel it. I didn't connect to either character and I didn't feel their connection to each other. I didn't feel anything except maybe some boredom here.
Overall:I struggled with this one. I like the idea of dual bi-awakenings, so if anyone has any recommendations -- please send them my way! Sadly, this was not the best and I don't think I'll continue on with the duet (I started skimming the second book and it confirmed my decision)
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Drew and Aron's story. They're both pro baseball player that come to punches on the field and then are shocked to find out that they've both have been traded to the same team. As part of the agreement, they are to live together to show that they can be professional and not let the fight get in the way of their jobs. Thee are some new lines crossed, some sexy times, and this ends on a cliffhanger.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Drew and Aron's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well for the most part, but there were times that was tempted to skim because it wasn't holding my attention.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 3 stars. Drew. He was okay. I didn't feel like we really got to know him on a deeper level. He even felt a little cold (or boring) at times.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 3 stars. Aron. He was alright. He, too, didn't seem to be all that deep as a character even though it addresses themes like him being damaged, but it didn't quite evoke the feelings.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Mild. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not very much and not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes, but not super descriptive
Cheating: Not by mcs
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a cliffhanger with the next book, Outed, already available.
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise -- the idea of an enemy-to-lovers-bi-awakening sports romance!
The Not-So-Good: The fact that they were both fine with changing their sexuality. No conflict there! I also thought the ex drama was a little OTT and eye roll inducing.
The Bad: The connection. I didn't feel it. I didn't connect to either character and I didn't feel their connection to each other. I didn't feel anything except maybe some boredom here.
Overall:I struggled with this one. I like the idea of dual bi-awakenings, so if anyone has any recommendations -- please send them my way! Sadly, this was not the best and I don't think I'll continue on with the duet (I started skimming the second book and it confirmed my decision)
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Drew and Aron's story. They're both pro baseball player that come to punches on the field and then are shocked to find out that they've both have been traded to the same team. As part of the agreement, they are to live together to show that they can be professional and not let the fight get in the way of their jobs. Thee are some new lines crossed, some sexy times, and this ends on a cliffhanger.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Drew and Aron's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well for the most part, but there were times that was tempted to skim because it wasn't holding my attention.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 3 stars. Drew. He was okay. I didn't feel like we really got to know him on a deeper level. He even felt a little cold (or boring) at times.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 3 stars. Aron. He was alright. He, too, didn't seem to be all that deep as a character even though it addresses themes like him being damaged, but it didn't quite evoke the feelings.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Mild. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not very much and not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes, but not super descriptive
Cheating: Not by mcs
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a cliffhanger with the next book, Outed, already available.
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
July 11, 2023
I'm pleasantly surprised. This was a really good sports romance and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
🟣 Double bi-awakening
🟢 Age gap - 5 years
🔵 Older MC is bigger, more muscular, so a bit of a size difference
🟡 Older MC is top in this book
🟠 Both MMCs are not out and are hiding their relationship
🔴 Story ends on a cliffhanger
🌶️ Good spice, but there could be more on-page
The story is about Aron, a cocky 28-year old baseball player with a really famous ex-player dad. He's good at what he does, he's straight, outgoing and a little bit arrogant, but a really cool, positive guy, who's never in a relationship and is happy that way.
Drew is a a 33-year old baseball player, who's also straight, lives with his serious model girlfriend, whom he plans to propose to, once the season ends, because he wants a family, but he gets cheated on in the worst way and breaks up with his girlfriend.
Drew and Aron are familiar with each other, but aren't friends , they never talk or hang out.
They have an altercation on the field and they fight it out , which is unusual for both of them. When they already think they won't have to see each other again, they're traded to the same team .
They live as roommates for a shorter period of time, but nothing drastic happens, they just don't have an inclination to talk to each other, so as far as the enemies-to-lovers trope goes I'd say it wasn't really there, it was more opponents-to-lovers , and I really didn't mind it, because the authors weren't artificially forcing the trope into the story, so it didn't feel like the book was supposed to be something and then it wasn't .
When Drew and Aron verbally fight at one time, they accidentally kiss - yes, it was pure adrenaline, not so much desire, because they weren't really attracted to each other, nor any other guy, so this was a very believable bi-awakening for both.
They start hooking up and since Drew isn't the hooking-up-type-a-guy, he wants maybe something more, but in terms of them hooking up for a longer period of time and seeing where it goes, which was also very believable and not some monogamy pact made at 2 weeks in, which is quite usual in books and I'd say not believable in real life.
They also had to keep it secret, because they're teammates and being out is also not really something they both want considering the sport they're in, so they're just exploring sex and hanging out, and again, that seemed very believable for what two men would actually do.
The whole book is written in a way that men actually act and think and talk to each other, so no excessive inner monologues, no extreme emotional ups and downs and I absolutely liked the pacing of the story, nothing was premature or forced, everything evolved naturally.
I liked both MMCs, their dialogues and their time together.
I did miss however the falling in love part; they both fell in love, but it happened when they broke up when the conflict at 80% shattered their potential plans with each other.
I didn't mind that, only the part leading up to those feelings, that could've been dealt with a little more introspection on both parts, but the story is interesting and I'm really looking forward to reading the 2nd book.
🟣 Double bi-awakening
🟢 Age gap - 5 years
🔵 Older MC is bigger, more muscular, so a bit of a size difference
🟡 Older MC is top in this book
🟠 Both MMCs are not out and are hiding their relationship
🔴 Story ends on a cliffhanger
🌶️ Good spice, but there could be more on-page
The story is about Aron, a cocky 28-year old baseball player with a really famous ex-player dad. He's good at what he does, he's straight, outgoing and a little bit arrogant, but a really cool, positive guy, who's never in a relationship and is happy that way.
Drew is a a 33-year old baseball player, who's also straight, lives with his serious model girlfriend, whom he plans to propose to, once the season ends, because he wants a family, but he gets cheated on in the worst way and breaks up with his girlfriend.
Drew and Aron are familiar with each other, but aren't friends , they never talk or hang out.
They have an altercation on the field and they fight it out , which is unusual for both of them. When they already think they won't have to see each other again, they're traded to the same team .
They live as roommates for a shorter period of time, but nothing drastic happens, they just don't have an inclination to talk to each other, so as far as the enemies-to-lovers trope goes I'd say it wasn't really there, it was more opponents-to-lovers , and I really didn't mind it, because the authors weren't artificially forcing the trope into the story, so it didn't feel like the book was supposed to be something and then it wasn't .
When Drew and Aron verbally fight at one time, they accidentally kiss - yes, it was pure adrenaline, not so much desire, because they weren't really attracted to each other, nor any other guy, so this was a very believable bi-awakening for both.
They start hooking up and since Drew isn't the hooking-up-type-a-guy, he wants maybe something more, but in terms of them hooking up for a longer period of time and seeing where it goes, which was also very believable and not some monogamy pact made at 2 weeks in, which is quite usual in books and I'd say not believable in real life.
They also had to keep it secret, because they're teammates and being out is also not really something they both want considering the sport they're in, so they're just exploring sex and hanging out, and again, that seemed very believable for what two men would actually do.
The whole book is written in a way that men actually act and think and talk to each other, so no excessive inner monologues, no extreme emotional ups and downs and I absolutely liked the pacing of the story, nothing was premature or forced, everything evolved naturally.
I liked both MMCs, their dialogues and their time together.
I did miss however the falling in love part; they both fell in love, but it happened when they broke up when the conflict at 80% shattered their potential plans with each other.
I didn't mind that, only the part leading up to those feelings, that could've been dealt with a little more introspection on both parts, but the story is interesting and I'm really looking forward to reading the 2nd book.
April 26, 2023
4 stars cliffhanger story. This book was a pleasant surprise.
April 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🔥🔥
🎧🎧🎧🎧
Traded begins with two rival MLB players. Aaron is a cocky outfielder who kills it at bat and he loves to show off. He sleeps his way through girls he meets at bars and is quite frankly a little sleazy, well, a lot sleazy.
Drew is a pitcher. He’s with a model with plans to marry her until… you’ll have to read it to find out. Just know, it’s not pretty.
Aaron talked some trash about Drew and to get his revenge, Drew beaned him with a fastball. So, both hotheads get into a fight.
So, of course, days later the two are traded to the same team. Even worse, they’re forced to share a temporary apartment. Which unsurprisingly leads to arguments, which shockingly leads to a kiss that makes them question everything.
Throughout Traded and Outed you discover their backgrounds that would lead to their personalities as they traverse a minor rollercoaster to becoming a couple.
I enjoyed both books in this duet. It was easy to listen to and kept my interest. I loved Drew and Aaron grew on me. And the steam was pretty great. Overall a fun read.
🔥🔥
🎧🎧🎧🎧
Traded begins with two rival MLB players. Aaron is a cocky outfielder who kills it at bat and he loves to show off. He sleeps his way through girls he meets at bars and is quite frankly a little sleazy, well, a lot sleazy.
Drew is a pitcher. He’s with a model with plans to marry her until… you’ll have to read it to find out. Just know, it’s not pretty.
Aaron talked some trash about Drew and to get his revenge, Drew beaned him with a fastball. So, both hotheads get into a fight.
So, of course, days later the two are traded to the same team. Even worse, they’re forced to share a temporary apartment. Which unsurprisingly leads to arguments, which shockingly leads to a kiss that makes them question everything.
Throughout Traded and Outed you discover their backgrounds that would lead to their personalities as they traverse a minor rollercoaster to becoming a couple.
I enjoyed both books in this duet. It was easy to listen to and kept my interest. I loved Drew and Aaron grew on me. And the steam was pretty great. Overall a fun read.
March 10, 2022
MM romance isn't usually my genre of choice but I enjoy this author and knew I would not be disappointed. Loved Aron and Drew and the surprise love they have for each other. Can't wait for the next book.
August 20, 2022
Okay let’s start off with spoilers ahead sort of whatever
Trigger warning: talk on abortion - misogyny
1. The book starts out with one of the main characters being a complete dick.
2. Literally only using women for sex. And not seeing them as worthy or useful besides that. Disrespectful on so many levels.
3. Finally it cools down with the woman hating until suddenly the other mc catches his girlfriend cheating on him with a model (coworker) I was like fine whatever. This MC wasn’t super disrespectful. He was rightfully pissed and kicked her out. Didn’t need to throw shit but whatever.
4. Okay at this point I’ve gone past a bunch of horribly written people. A misogynistic douchebag and an unnecessary amount of using women and kicking them out as soon as they aren’t “needed” as if they are only there for the pleasure of men.
5. Now I’ve been raging because mm romances don’t have to have an underlying or in this case blatant hatred for women. So why are we writing shitty female characters? Why are they literally only here for a man’s pleasure. Whatever.
6. Now we get to past all the meh writing and they decide to be together. Surprise the Ex girlfriend is pregnant. Says it’s his. But who’s he to know if she’s telling the truth because she’s a lying whore who lies 🙄
7. Now I was like okay let’s see where this is going because at this point I’m hate reading.
8. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCKITY FUCK ?!?
****TAKE ME BACK OR I ABORT YOUR BABY****
🤮🙄🙄
I’m sorry what the actual fuck was that?? At this point I tried for another chapter and had to let it go because are you kidding me??? Like yet again the only woman who isn’t being used for sex (only for sex🙄) is given the villain storyline.
Like legit I’ll abort this fetus lmfao what the actual hell?!? So beyond stupid.
Anyway I’m done with this book. I could go on for days but totally not worth it. I’m so done with shit like this. I was really trying to get back into reading mm romances but this seems to be a pattern I’m done with.
Trigger warning: talk on abortion - misogyny
1. The book starts out with one of the main characters being a complete dick.
2. Literally only using women for sex. And not seeing them as worthy or useful besides that. Disrespectful on so many levels.
3. Finally it cools down with the woman hating until suddenly the other mc catches his girlfriend cheating on him with a model (coworker) I was like fine whatever. This MC wasn’t super disrespectful. He was rightfully pissed and kicked her out. Didn’t need to throw shit but whatever.
4. Okay at this point I’ve gone past a bunch of horribly written people. A misogynistic douchebag and an unnecessary amount of using women and kicking them out as soon as they aren’t “needed” as if they are only there for the pleasure of men.
5. Now I’ve been raging because mm romances don’t have to have an underlying or in this case blatant hatred for women. So why are we writing shitty female characters? Why are they literally only here for a man’s pleasure. Whatever.
6. Now we get to past all the meh writing and they decide to be together. Surprise the Ex girlfriend is pregnant. Says it’s his. But who’s he to know if she’s telling the truth because she’s a lying whore who lies 🙄
7. Now I was like okay let’s see where this is going because at this point I’m hate reading.
8. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCKITY FUCK ?!?
****TAKE ME BACK OR I ABORT YOUR BABY****
🤮🙄🙄
I’m sorry what the actual fuck was that?? At this point I tried for another chapter and had to let it go because are you kidding me??? Like yet again the only woman who isn’t being used for sex (only for sex🙄) is given the villain storyline.
Like legit I’ll abort this fetus lmfao what the actual hell?!? So beyond stupid.
Anyway I’m done with this book. I could go on for days but totally not worth it. I’m so done with shit like this. I was really trying to get back into reading mm romances but this seems to be a pattern I’m done with.
July 30, 2022
I really, really wanted to like this. Enemies to lovers, sports romance, MM? What's not to like? Unfortunately I found this book very hard to read. The writing was formulaic like the authors just stole every plot point from a mediocre CW show, and then didn't develop those plot points past the bare minimum to move the story along.
Drew and Aron miraculously went from hating everything about each other to loving those very same traits in a very unconvincing way. These characters barely had any development. Things that make you hate a person don't automatically become endearing when you find them attractive.
The rest of the cast (the other baseball players) were just a blur of names that could be interchanged at any given time.
I had high hopes for this, but it fell very flat for me.
Drew and Aron miraculously went from hating everything about each other to loving those very same traits in a very unconvincing way. These characters barely had any development. Things that make you hate a person don't automatically become endearing when you find them attractive.
The rest of the cast (the other baseball players) were just a blur of names that could be interchanged at any given time.
I had high hopes for this, but it fell very flat for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
Negative RTC
This is a pretty old DNF but I've been procrastinating writing negative reviews. So, I'll save it for a negative reviews dump day.
This is a pretty old DNF but I've been procrastinating writing negative reviews. So, I'll save it for a negative reviews dump day.
March 28, 2022
I like both authors separately and was excited to read what they could do together. I am speechless at the result. Yes, this is a baseball romance, but so much more.
This story is written from discovery, the baseball is relevant, and steam level a ten. The emotions are raw; they are competitors and then roommates. I could not put the book down, as the pages could not turn fast enough. But then I hit the cliff, I knew this was book one of a duet, but still….
Bring on book two, a grand slam for the first in the duet.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
This story is written from discovery, the baseball is relevant, and steam level a ten. The emotions are raw; they are competitors and then roommates. I could not put the book down, as the pages could not turn fast enough. But then I hit the cliff, I knew this was book one of a duet, but still….
Bring on book two, a grand slam for the first in the duet.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
June 28, 2022
This is my first baseball book but let me tell you it takes a back seat to everything else that is going on. This book is an enemies to lovers book and a MM. They hate each other but that is only what they thought. They "hated" each other on the field , became roommates, started having "strange" feelings that neither could understand what was happening. Finally their walls fell down and that is when the finally found happiness with each other. The ending though... you just don't know what is going to happen. On the the second one.
August 16, 2023
I had a small issue and a big issue with this one.
First, it was supposed to be enemies to lovers but it kind of felt like Insta-love. sure, they hated each other (with absolutely no reason) for 5 minutes but then went for it like crazy bunnies. 2 straight men without even a thought about other men before and yet they went all in.
It kind of felt like no buildup and it made it hard for me to feel the love.
The bigger issue and the biggest disappointment was the pregnancy. Come on!!! this is the most original you could get with a crisis? a pregnancy? we have read a thousand times about couples breaking up due to a third party’s pregnancy and it is unoriginal and boring, not to mention the “bad guy” is again, a woman (her being a cheater wasn’t enough?) that ruins the poor MC’s life.
I didn’t like that, didn’t like it was that easy for Aron to leave, didn’t like that Drew did nothing to make him stay and of course it wasn’t resolved since it is a dual.
IDK if I will continue, maybe some day.
First, it was supposed to be enemies to lovers but it kind of felt like Insta-love. sure, they hated each other (with absolutely no reason) for 5 minutes but then went for it like crazy bunnies. 2 straight men without even a thought about other men before and yet they went all in.
It kind of felt like no buildup and it made it hard for me to feel the love.
The bigger issue and the biggest disappointment was the pregnancy. Come on!!! this is the most original you could get with a crisis? a pregnancy? we have read a thousand times about couples breaking up due to a third party’s pregnancy and it is unoriginal and boring, not to mention the “bad guy” is again, a woman (her being a cheater wasn’t enough?) that ruins the poor MC’s life.
I didn’t like that, didn’t like it was that easy for Aron to leave, didn’t like that Drew did nothing to make him stay and of course it wasn’t resolved since it is a dual.
IDK if I will continue, maybe some day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2024
Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI BARBARA
Stuzzicante!
Nuova lettura per due autrici che non conoscevo ma che hanno saputo incuriosirmi grazie alla contestualizzato dello sviluppo narrato.
Kimberly Knight e Rachel Lyn Adams ci trasportano all’interno di una realtà sportiva a me nuova. Uno sport, il baseball, che da vita a un romance leggero e con la giusta dose di tensione emotiva e attesa. Una lieve sofferenza emotiva che risiede nel passato di entrambi i nostri protagonisti e che ne ha determinato scelte e cammino di vita.
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI BARBARA
Stuzzicante!
Nuova lettura per due autrici che non conoscevo ma che hanno saputo incuriosirmi grazie alla contestualizzato dello sviluppo narrato.
Kimberly Knight e Rachel Lyn Adams ci trasportano all’interno di una realtà sportiva a me nuova. Uno sport, il baseball, che da vita a un romance leggero e con la giusta dose di tensione emotiva e attesa. Una lieve sofferenza emotiva che risiede nel passato di entrambi i nostri protagonisti e che ne ha determinato scelte e cammino di vita.
Continua sul nostro blog!
May 24, 2022
Yeah... No.
February 14, 2023
ARC received for an honest review
Batter (and other things 😉) up! These guys want to play with balls
It has been a long while since I have read Kimberly Knight story, and Rachel Lyn Adams is a new to me author, but what a way to get back to it.
I mean, you had me at enemies to lovers sport stars.
I mean, I know nothing about baseball except that it takes like 74 hours to play a game and they were tight pants haha, but I did enjoy Traded very much.
I love the snark and spark between Aron and Drew. Their fighting really is a form of foreplay, and when they do something about it, is a home run.
I am not usually a fan of the GFY, especially when they have been manwhores before they meet their guy. However this pair wormed their way into my heart with their questioning and confusion and finding their trust in each other.
Of course we aren't without our drama, and ugh, why is it always this thing. Booo to that. I liked how (so far) it is being dealt with, but I can see that things are going to get interesting in part 2.
There was a bit of a cliffy, but was expected since this is the first part of a duet, so I am curious to see how things play out in part 2
Batter (and other things 😉) up! These guys want to play with balls
It has been a long while since I have read Kimberly Knight story, and Rachel Lyn Adams is a new to me author, but what a way to get back to it.
I mean, you had me at enemies to lovers sport stars.
I mean, I know nothing about baseball except that it takes like 74 hours to play a game and they were tight pants haha, but I did enjoy Traded very much.
I love the snark and spark between Aron and Drew. Their fighting really is a form of foreplay, and when they do something about it, is a home run.
I am not usually a fan of the GFY, especially when they have been manwhores before they meet their guy. However this pair wormed their way into my heart with their questioning and confusion and finding their trust in each other.
Of course we aren't without our drama, and ugh, why is it always this thing. Booo to that. I liked how (so far) it is being dealt with, but I can see that things are going to get interesting in part 2.
There was a bit of a cliffy, but was expected since this is the first part of a duet, so I am curious to see how things play out in part 2
January 12, 2023
So much potential…yet so many things that really ruin this book.
To start, I definitely knew this book would not be a five star read within 20 pages of the book because of the misogynistic comments and sexist undertones throughout the entire book. There is nothing that ruins a book more for me than this.
Secondly, I thought it was really weird that the authors chose to write explicit sex scenes with characters outside the love interest. Like, the option to say they had sex without going into details was there, yet the authors chose to write MF scenes in an MM romance.
Thirdly, a book lacks plot and development if you need a “crazy vindictive woman” to make your book work. We the readers are somehow suppose to believe that the ex-girlfriend wants to get back together with the guy she’s been cheating on for four months, and is delusional enough to think he will just forget it, and it going with the trap him by pregnancy. This is so boring and melodramatic that I almost dnf at that point but literally only finished the book so I could write a review.
Fourthly, these characters are unrealistic. It’s a double bi-awakening and somehow the characters know everything they are doing in the bedroom and to top it off they somehow have first time anal sex with literally zero prep. We all know that these books are a bit unrealistic but dang these authors went the extra mile.
Fifthly, the enemies to lovers part was short lived. There is no build up to the romance. There was no angst. Everything went from zero to one hundred.
Lastly, the first part of the book Drew constantly talks about how deeply in love he is with his girlfriend and how he wants to get married and is planning to purpose. Yet, they break up in a really awful way and we are just suppose to believe he falls in love with Aron in the next couple of weeks. Again the pacing of this book was pretty bad.
And to top it off, if you want to know how the story ends you will need to read another book which I am guessing will be as problematic as this one.
Last last note…book is a lot of tell, rather than show.
To start, I definitely knew this book would not be a five star read within 20 pages of the book because of the misogynistic comments and sexist undertones throughout the entire book. There is nothing that ruins a book more for me than this.
Secondly, I thought it was really weird that the authors chose to write explicit sex scenes with characters outside the love interest. Like, the option to say they had sex without going into details was there, yet the authors chose to write MF scenes in an MM romance.
Thirdly, a book lacks plot and development if you need a “crazy vindictive woman” to make your book work. We the readers are somehow suppose to believe that the ex-girlfriend wants to get back together with the guy she’s been cheating on for four months, and is delusional enough to think he will just forget it, and it going with the trap him by pregnancy. This is so boring and melodramatic that I almost dnf at that point but literally only finished the book so I could write a review.
Fourthly, these characters are unrealistic. It’s a double bi-awakening and somehow the characters know everything they are doing in the bedroom and to top it off they somehow have first time anal sex with literally zero prep. We all know that these books are a bit unrealistic but dang these authors went the extra mile.
Fifthly, the enemies to lovers part was short lived. There is no build up to the romance. There was no angst. Everything went from zero to one hundred.
Lastly, the first part of the book Drew constantly talks about how deeply in love he is with his girlfriend and how he wants to get married and is planning to purpose. Yet, they break up in a really awful way and we are just suppose to believe he falls in love with Aron in the next couple of weeks. Again the pacing of this book was pretty bad.
And to top it off, if you want to know how the story ends you will need to read another book which I am guessing will be as problematic as this one.
Last last note…book is a lot of tell, rather than show.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2025
Time of death 59%
I persevered longer than I normally would, simply because it wasn’t part of my KU membership and I actually paid extra to read this.
I quite enjoy a sports romance , as well as the enemy to lovers trope so the blurb appealed to me .
Sadly I couldn’t get into the stilted writing. The narration of the book felt off . Some of the sentence structuring and dialogue felt quite forced and I couldn’t seem to switch off.
I struggled to find the animosity and subsequent chemistry between the MC believable and sadly some of the plot also felt rather predictable .In fact I struggled to find any depth to the characters at all.
SPOILER
From the moment Zane showed up on page it was obvious to me that he would be used as the patsy that broke up Drew and Jasmines relationship , the cheating felt like an easy opt out for Drew to move on and explore his ‘relationship’ with Aron.
I read the blurb for book 2 and figured out straight away that there will be a pregnancy spanner thrown in the mix of this story which just feels to me like such an overdone plot.
So long story short. This was all wrong for me
Good concept , sadly not delivered to my taste 🥴
I persevered longer than I normally would, simply because it wasn’t part of my KU membership and I actually paid extra to read this.
I quite enjoy a sports romance , as well as the enemy to lovers trope so the blurb appealed to me .
Sadly I couldn’t get into the stilted writing. The narration of the book felt off . Some of the sentence structuring and dialogue felt quite forced and I couldn’t seem to switch off.
I struggled to find the animosity and subsequent chemistry between the MC believable and sadly some of the plot also felt rather predictable .In fact I struggled to find any depth to the characters at all.
SPOILER
From the moment Zane showed up on page it was obvious to me that he would be used as the patsy that broke up Drew and Jasmines relationship , the cheating felt like an easy opt out for Drew to move on and explore his ‘relationship’ with Aron.
I read the blurb for book 2 and figured out straight away that there will be a pregnancy spanner thrown in the mix of this story which just feels to me like such an overdone plot.
So long story short. This was all wrong for me
Good concept , sadly not delivered to my taste 🥴
Read
July 7, 2022DNF after the Kindle sample. The first POV was wildly off-putting but I thiiiiink that was an authorial choice haha since the second POV was significantly different. However, I just didn’t find it plausible that the second POV character would get into a fistfight out of nowhere. There was nothing in the narrative that make that seem in-character.
March 31, 2022
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS / BOOKS2READ
When Drew and Aron clash on the field, then are traded to the same team, being forced into living together in the same apartment should spell disaster. Except, what if all that antagonism on the field was just masking an attraction neither had expected? Neither had ever been with a man before, but damn, when they figured out their antagonism and fighting and banter was really just foreplay, whew!! Talk about sparks flying! But when a curveball *wink wink* is thrown their way, can the two weather it, or will they walk away from each other?
OK, this story was like catnip for me. All the things I love: MM and GFY - check and check, sports - check, enemies to lovers - check, and forced proximity - check!! Plus opposites attract - Drew's the calm, sweetheart and Aron's the cocky one with swagger. You just knew that when they came together it would be fire, and damn, it was seriously hot. Though they hadn't been with the same gender before, there wasn't a lot of agony about exploring their newly discovered attraction, and they were so good together. Of course there was a cliffhanger, though, and now I'm very eagerly awaiting Outed. I need to find out what happens for this couple I fell so hard for, NOW!
ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
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March 8, 2022
5+ Stars
Wow! I read this book all in one day,! I simply couldn’t put it down. I adore M/M stories and this one had so much angst and feeling that I completely fell in love with it. The way their emotions were portrayed was fabulous and I felt like I was living their lives with them. Their ‘enemies to lovers’ was a quick but, oh so hot, switch that had me hot under the collar. Sooooo hot. I could picture every scene in this book.
Aron was a cocky showboater. He loved the attention that being a baseball player brought and was smug and arrogant on the pitch and off. Drew was a sweetheart; he’s serious, loyal and he loves his game, his Mum and his team. When he loves, he loves hard!
Aron goaded Drew during a game (they were on opposing teams) and the story continued to explode bomb after bomb of encounters for these two. Throw in transfers and a model girlfriend and things get more stressful.
I wanted to throw my kindle out the window when it ended! Nooooo! When is the next one out? I need to know how all this resolves. It will definitely be on my list for a reread.
Wow! I read this book all in one day,! I simply couldn’t put it down. I adore M/M stories and this one had so much angst and feeling that I completely fell in love with it. The way their emotions were portrayed was fabulous and I felt like I was living their lives with them. Their ‘enemies to lovers’ was a quick but, oh so hot, switch that had me hot under the collar. Sooooo hot. I could picture every scene in this book.
Aron was a cocky showboater. He loved the attention that being a baseball player brought and was smug and arrogant on the pitch and off. Drew was a sweetheart; he’s serious, loyal and he loves his game, his Mum and his team. When he loves, he loves hard!
Aron goaded Drew during a game (they were on opposing teams) and the story continued to explode bomb after bomb of encounters for these two. Throw in transfers and a model girlfriend and things get more stressful.
I wanted to throw my kindle out the window when it ended! Nooooo! When is the next one out? I need to know how all this resolves. It will definitely be on my list for a reread.
March 8, 2022
It started off a little slow but it was needed as background story for what was to come. Drew and Aaron are MLB and love baseball to their core. While Drew is relationship man who has been with his model girlfriend for 2 years, Aron is the eternal playboy bachelor. During a game where they are playing for opposing teams, things get heated and a brawl breaks out between the two. Both are suspended and fined. But at the end of the trading deadline both men are traded to the same team- the Rockies. Now not are they expected to get along, they have to play together and live together. Tensions mount and things get heated between the two one night in their new apartment. What do they with these new feelings? New tension? How do they hide it from everyone? To top it all off, Kimberly and Rachel leave us on a cliffhanger for the ending!
April 24, 2022
Aron Parker followed in his father’s footsteps and was drafted in his sophomore year by the St. Louis Cardinals playing right field. He was widely popular with the fans and a ladies man Drew Rockland, Aron’s rival and he get into a bench clearing brawl. After a few years with the Cards, Aron is traded to the Rockies along with his rival, Drew Rockland.
I absolutely love Drew and Aron’s dynamic & banter.. I laugh every time I read their conversations. I can’t wait to dive into Outed and find out what happened with Aron & Jasmine, Drew & Aron as well as Aron’s mom, Francine & Drew’s dad, Joel.
I absolutely love Drew and Aron’s dynamic & banter.. I laugh every time I read their conversations. I can’t wait to dive into Outed and find out what happened with Aron & Jasmine, Drew & Aron as well as Aron’s mom, Francine & Drew’s dad, Joel.
April 14, 2022
3.5 stars
August 1, 2022
I love a good sports romance. Add in enemies-to-lovers and bi-awakening, umm…yes please!!! 👏🏻👏🏻
Aron and Drew were so fun to read! I am dying for the rest of this story, so about to dive into the next book asap! ❤️
Aron and Drew were so fun to read! I am dying for the rest of this story, so about to dive into the next book asap! ❤️
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